First time post,where does one get wheat paste?

[antiquer]

It is a problem that has been plaguing me for over a year,since I found a cache of vintage wallpaper at my old job that I would love to use on a wooden screen.This stuff is the real deal,printed on heavy newsprint paper.I think I know how to prep it,(unroll,moist towel to get it flat on a hard surface)but I still have not found the perfect wallpaper paste to get this project rolling!I am told I need an old-fashioned wheat wallpaper paste that does not soak through the paper.But it will be a paper that I want to use in my bathroom! Not too humid,large antique,dressing room in San Diego.Any help for me? TIA

[Cliff Hayes]

Wheat paste is sold by Paper-Hangings company. You can also buy Ecofix P7 potato paste from Roos International. Both are powdered adhesives that you mix into water to make paste, and both will be suitable for your project.

P7 can be bought here. Get two bags.
http://www.roosintl.com/ecofix.htm

Bob Kelly's PH Wheat can be bought here:
http://www.paper-hangings.com/price.html

[Boston Hangman]

you may want to get some insight from hangers here about what you are hanging too. Such as brushing in the paste , possibly lining..etc..what type of wallpaper is it? ..brand name ?? any clues?
If it is old and unavailable you only get one shot.

[Bill Archibald]

Besides Cliff's suggestion for two excellent sources of appropriate pastes, Golden Harvest makes an excellent wheat paste (powder). It may be available at a local wallpaper store that knows what they are doing.

One word of caution about installing older paper, as it ages it does become more brittle. I remember in 1980 when my parents moved to a new house and my mother pulled some paper out of the attic that was printed in 1948 ($1.00 per roll back then). I was still a novice hanger with only seven years experience and I tell you, it was real tricky installing that stuff.

As Mark (Boston Hanger) points out, you would be best served to get some insight about the particulars from those who have experience with these things. May I also suggest contacting some NGPP members in Southern Cal with the possibility of installing it for you? I understand you want to tackle this yourself, but as Mark says, you probably only got one shot. We have chapters in San Diego and LA. If you consider my suggestion you can "Find a Paperhanger" at
http://www.thepaperhangers.com/zipcode/find.html

Good luck
-Bill

[mike stachnik]

Go to the paperhangings.com link posted and buy Bob Kelly's ph wheat paste. Hands down, the best wheat paste I've used. I'm sure some of the antique paper afficionado's that post hear regularly would love to see a picture of that paper. Any way of taking a digital picture, e-mailing it to one of us, and we can post it on our members board. That would be greatly appreciated. You can send it to me if you'd like. mikestachnik@mindspring.com Thanks! At least your at the right spot to ask questions. Some of the best installers in the country are members of our forum. Good luck!

Mike

[Paul Sullivan]

I am told I need an old-fashioned wheat wallpaper paste that does not soak through the paper. TIA

I say ditto to paper-hangings.com pastes. Bob Kelly is a very helpful and knowledgable paperhanger. While you're there ask for some tips.

I've never hung antique papers but if it was me I'd be asking Bob about the use of methyl cellulose either alone or mixed with the wheat. The reason is that though it is high moisture it doesn't saturate the sheet as quickly keeping the material less "all the more delicate" right away. I've had less of that occurance using it on delicate paper-papers. And it gives you more "open" (working) time.

One thing I can say for sure, that even after hearing and experiencing "cellulose is the weakest paste we use" , Paper-Hanging's when mixed correctly and allowed to sit overnight before use definitely sticks.

[mike stachnik]

Antiquer;
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about Bob's cellulose paste. Since I only use it on occasion, it slipped my mind. I do like the mix though, and this is where we could start to loose you. See, we do not know what your skill level is, and the guys that are giving you advise are super-freaky quality perfectionists, both in craftmanship and the materials they use. They can't help it, its a disease with no known cure. And since your dealing with a material that, even when they bring their A game, would challenge even the most veteran hanger, you can see where I'm going with this. We'd hate to see you get in over your head, then not be happy with the results. Like they said, this is a one shot deal. If your dead-set on hanging this material yourself ( I can empathize, I try to do everything myself), you may want to consider paying a few bucks and consulting with one of our guild members in San Diego, who may be able to give you advice, tips, etc. for a nominal fee. You can't go wrong paying for someone's knowledge. Good luck

Mike